Essex High School - Odyssey Yearbook (Tappahannock, VA)

Page 21 text:

On beginning our third voyage, we felt that we knew it all, and held our heads high. Mr. Richard H. Vaughan was still our pilot. Mrs. Poles acquainted us with chemistry , Mr. Henderson enabled us to appreciate French, and Miss Davis advanced us further in the English language. Here wegavemany entertainments for our Cruiser, ECHS, whom we loved dearly. As we neared the end of our Junior Strait, we thought all would be smooth sailing. When we were ushered by incoming waves into Senior Ocean, we were at the highest that the old Cruiser could give us in knowledge. During the years we had built our reputation and all eyes were focused on the famous crew. V e found that these waters were very rugged and required good steering. Our pilot, Mr. Vaughan, kept before us daily our duties and responsibilities as seniors. This year brought members of the class closer together and we lived as if one family. We conquered the rocks of geometry, the sands of French, and waters of English that lashed against our sides. We shuddered at times when our way seemed dark and weary, but clung closer together and conquered them all. Soon we saw a haven of rest and the reward for our struggle for grasping the rules and regulations of being skillful pilots. The haven of rest was part of graduation. To realize that we are leaving our schoolmates causes us pain, for we will weep as we leave our old Ironsides, with its skillful pilots and captains. Undergraduates, we hope that you will help the good ECHS to always maintain its reputation and fame by profiting by this™ -the history of the exalted Class of 1956 ! --“Ruby Naomi Muse

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How wonderful and entrancing seems that day when we first launched our new ship on the waters of ECHS ! That day appeared to us as the most exciting and interesting day of all. Our hearts swelled with pride as we stepped over the threshold of the hall of ECHS and opened a new chapter in our field of education. It was on the sixth day of September, 1952, that ECHS- -the Old Ironsides of Edu- cation, flung open her doors for us to enter. How eager and anxious we were as we began our crusade for high school knowledge. Our joys knew no bounds but our instruc- tors soon alerted us on the difficulties that we would encounter on our journey along the way. During the first year of our voyage for knowledge, we were placed under the com- mand of Mr. Richard H. Vaughan, who successfully piloted us over the Freshman River. Sometimes we were tempted to run -a -ground, but by sound teaching we were rescued from the strain of misfortune and steered on. As we sailed we learned to appreciate the wonders of English, history, mathematics, and science. Every day held new inter- ests for us, and along the rivers were school buoys to keep us out of the rivulet of trifleness, laziness, impudence, and ignorance. After cruising for one year, we crossed the borders into Sophomore Sea. On this sea we sailed under the four divisions with the same pilot. We were anxious to be intelli- gent; therefore, none would sulk or shrink from work fearing they would be marooned.

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Otaem O class ' 56, with such a great band. As we leave Ole Essex we must understand. When we leave this part, be kind and true. Never forget the fundamentals taught to us. Honorable classmates, we are about to go. Brave up, prepare for life ' s tough blow. The race is calling for leaders bold. The world is wide with opportunities untold. Let us all brace up and get into the game. Fight hard to uphold our honorable name. Old Father Time is beckoning you. He has much for this class to do. We sing, we speak, we teach and dance. We all know life is a game of chance. This foundation, strong and bold. The power of thought, with keen vision and self control. We ' ll pull through with might and main. Struggle hard, O class of 56 and win your fame. We leave you, dear teachers, with grief in our h earts. For it ' s now time for us to depart. Your loving care has guided us right. With your knowledge of instruction, we now see the light. So, good-bye, dear faculty we ' ve but to say Your pupils are leaving to be great someday. --Sarah Cauthorne